Cute, curious and oh-so captivating kittens!

Every spring and summer, millions of abandoned kittens overwhelm animal shelters across the country. It’s estimated that approximately 70 percent of healthy and adoptable shelter kittens and cats are euthanized simply due to lack of space and resources.

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Not coincidentally, June 1 marks the start of national Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month to help raise awareness about the importance of making pet adoption your first option, especially considering the countless cats waiting for new, happy homes — maybe even yours!

(If your kitten has a certain “je ne sais quoi” or is just a complete ham, consider submitting photos to Jill Fraser for possible inclusion in the new Maddie’s Fund ad campaign.)

To help shine the spotlight on adoptable cats everywhere, Petfinder.com has launched “The Whiskers” photo contest where shelters can submit pics of their most photogenic cats. From June 1 to June 21, cat lovers like you can vote on the best kitty images in a variety of cinematic-sounding CAT-egories. Betsy Saul, the co-founder of Petfinder.com credits the more than 125,000 homeless cats on Petfinder.com right as inspiration for the contest.

“CATegories” for The Whiskers contest include:

Best Newcomer: While few will admit that there is any kitten in this world who isn’t absolutely amazing, this CATegory is for the most adorable, itty-bitty feline around.

Best On-Screen Duo: Some adoptable cats and kittens are inseparable from their favorite brother or sister. This CATegory is for these precious pairs.

Best Picture: This CATegory is for the cats and kittens who are a paw above the rest and have mastered the art of the pose.

Cattyist: Perhaps you know an adoptable cat or kitten who has diva tendencies. For them, this CATegory is the cat’s meow.

Best Comedic Performance: To celebrate outstanding purr-sonality, Petfinder.com has formed a special partnership with the popular website, ICanHasCheezburger.com to find the most hilarious shelter kitten or cat in the land.

Petfinder.com will announce the winners on June 30.

For an extra dose of cuteness, check out KittenWar.com or watch the adorable video below: